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“I’ll just book a Grab,” Stacey said, phone pressed to her ear. On the other end of the line was her cousin, Colet.
Colet couldn’t pick her up from the airport. She had a meeting with a wedding planner, alongside her soon-to-be wife, Aiah.
“Same address?” Stacey asked.
“Oo, pero send ko na lang din sa'yo para sure,” Colet replied. “Welcome back to the Philippines, couz!”
Stacey rolled her eyes with a small smile. “Yeah, yeah. Bye. Say hi to Ate Aiah for me. I’ll go book a Grab na.”
She ended the call and pulled up the app.
As soon as Stacey stepped out of the airport, three things popped into her head:
Jhoanna.
Mozzarella sticks.
And,
putangina, ang init.
It had been a week since Stacey flew back to the Philippines. In that time, she had done nothing but rotate between the couch, the bed, and the fridge in Colet and Aiah’s shared condo—working, eating, sleeping, repeat.
“Stacey, ayaw mo talagang lumabas? Meet up with some friends?” Colet asked one morning as they ate breakfast together.
Stacey shook her head. “I don’t have the energy. Sobrang init sa labas.”
Aiah let out a laugh. “True—but why not invite your friends over instead? Colet and I don’t mind.”
“Exactly! Sina Shee! Friends mo pa rin naman mga ‘yon, ‘di ba? Alam ba nila na umuwi ka na?” Colet said, mouth still half-full.
“Hon, don’t talk with your mouth full,” Aiah gently scolded.
Colet just grinned.
Stacey rolled her eyes. “No, they don’t know. I didn’t even tell them I left. I ghosted everyone for 2 years except you guys.”
“Oo nga pala…” Colet muttered.
Then, Colet and Aiah exchanged a look.
“What?” Stacey asked, noticing.
Colet cleared her throat. “Eh, si ano…”
“She doesn’t know either,” Stacey cut in before Colet could finish.
“You’re not going to tell her?” Aiah asked carefully.
“No. I don’t want to bother her. I’m just here for your wedding and to finish the project. Then I’m flying back to Toronto.”
“Hindi ka magsa-stay? Akala ko ba may job offer ka dito?” Colet asked, eyebrows raised.
“There is,” Stacey said, voice soft, “but it’s up to me. And I don’t think I’ll take it. I don’t really have a reason to stay here. Plus, okay naman buhay ko sa Toronto.”
Another glance passed between the engaged couple.
“Ate, I’m okay. Really. Just let me freeload here for a while,” Stacey added with a wry smile.
“Hay nako. Buti na lang talaga umuwi ka for the wedding,” Colet said. “Kung pati kami ghinost mo, magtatampo talaga kami.”
“Well, I can’t ghost you even if I wanted to. We’re related. You’d probably tell Tita and have my house in Toronto taken away.”
Aiah laughed because, frankly, Colet would do exactly that.
“Buti alam mo,” Colet said proudly. “Pipilitin ko talaga si Mama na ibenta ‘yung bahay doon para mapauwi ka lang sa kasal namin!”
Stacey rolled her eyes. “You’re so dramatic.”
Aiah laughed at the two.
“Right! Hon, we’re checking out the reception venue tomorrow,” Aiah chimed in. “Stacey, come with us?”
“Oh, ayan ha. Si Aiah na mismo nagyaya. You’re not allowed to say no to my future wife!” Colet pointed her spoon at Stacey like it was law.
“Fine, fine,” Stacey muttered.
Aiah clapped her hands. “Yay!”
“Oh—wait. I have to check the project's site tomorrow pala,” Stacey suddenly remembered.
“What time?” Aiah asked.
“Morning. Around 10 AM.”
"That’s fine! The wedding planner scheduled the venue viewing after lunch,” Aiah said.
“Matatagalan ka ba?” Colet asked.
“Not really. It should be quick unless there’s a problem. Maybe an hour or two tops,” Stacey answered, finishing up her food.
“Paano ka pupunta sa site?” Colet asked.
"Grab. Of course.”
Colet nodded. “Okay, sunduin ka na lang namin ni Aiahkins pagkatapos."
Stacey nodded.
Next day
—
[Text messages]
stacey: [sends location]
ate colet sungit: Anong ginagawa mo riyan?
stacey: ?? this is where the site is
ate colet sungit: Ahhh, ang lapit lang pala sa univ mo dati.
stacey: yea, are u guys on ur way?
ate colet sungit: Oo. Upo ka muna diyan.
stacey: where??
ate colet sungit: Sa may tapat. Kila Ate Wena.
stacey: they’re still open?
ate colet sungit: Oo teh, pumupunta pa rin kami minsan d’yan ni Aiahkins. May aircon na nga sila ngayon. Kaso baka bigla kang mag-relapse.
stacey: ???
ate colet sungit: Hahahaha. Welcome back ulit sa Pinas, Stakuuuu. 👻
stacey: shut up.
—
Stacey slipped her phone into her pocket, not even waiting for Colet’s next message. Knowing her cousin, it would just be another teasing remark anyway.
She waited for the stoplight to turn green before crossing the road.
Stacey hadn’t really meant to come back.
Not like this.
It was supposed to be a short visit—a cousin’s wedding, a project to finish, a few days of rest, then back to the cold rush of Toronto.
But there she was now, sitting at their old spot, in their old haunt. The scent of fried cheese and old memories lingered in the air.
Wena’s.
A small food spot, once a favorite among students from the nearby university—Stacey’s alma mater.
It looked different now. Bigger. A bit brighter. But still with that warm, greasy comfort and the same familiar feel. Still filled with students.
Stacey browsed the menu, so many more options now too. But her eyes drifted away from the laminated sheet, scanning the place instead.
Then Stacey’s gaze landed on the counter.
On someone.
A girl.
She looks familiar.
The girl turned slightly, revealing her side profile.
Oh.
Jhoanna.
Her hair was a little longer now. Still wore those thick, black-framed glasses. She was leaning by the counter, scrolling through her phone—probably waiting for her order.
Stacey blinked. Once. Then twice.
Maybe the universe was being funny.
But then, as if she felt the weight of someone’s stare, Jhoanna looked up.
And their eyes met.
A small smile tugged at Jhoanna’s lips. “Stacey?”
Hearing her voice again, after 2 years, made Stacey a little dizzy.
Stacey stood up as Jhoanna approached. “Jhoanna. Wow.”
“Hi,” Jhoanna said. It felt strange. And somehow, exactly the same. “You look… great.”
Of course that would be the first thing she said.
“You too,” Stacey replied. And she meant it.
Jhoanna looked effortlessly put-together in just a sweater and jorts. Like life had shaped her gently while Stacey was out surviving winter after winter.
“Kailan ka pa nakabalik ng Pinas?” Jhoanna asked.
“A week ago lang.”
Jhoanna hummed. “Mag-isa ka lang dito?”
“No, I’m waiting for someone.”
They started to talk. Just briefly.
How Toronto snow felt like punishment and how Manila traffic still sucked.
They laughed. Just a little.
Then the waiter called out, “Takeout for Ma’am Jhoanna?”
Jhoanna glanced at the counter. “Ayun na order ko.”
Jhoanna excused herself and grabbed the paper bag before coming back to Stacey for one last exchange.
“Stak—Stacey,” Jhoanna said, catching herself before slipping into old habits. “I’m really happy to see you again. Sayang, we didn’t get to catch up more. Hanggang kailan ka dito?”
Stacey stood with her. “A month or so. Not sure. I’m just finishing a project and attending Ate Colet’s wedding. After that, I’m back to Toronto.”
Jhoanna’s lips parted. “Big-time ka na.”
Stacey smiled faintly. “I’m getting there.”
“Ah, oo nga pala—Ate Colet’s getting married,” Jhoanna said.
“Yeah. Are you going?” Stacey asked, more hopeful than she intended to sound.
“Got invited,” Jhoanna said, frowning slightly. “But I already told Ate Colet and Ate Aiah na I can’t go. May prior commitment ako that day.”
“Oh,” Stacey said. “That’s too bad.”
Jhoanna just nodded. The silence stretched for a second too long.
“Uhh… una na ako,” Jhoanna finally said.
Stacey nodded. “Oh, sure. It was nice seeing you again, Jhoanna.”
“Ikaw din, Stacey.”
They leaned for a cheek-to-cheek kiss, soft and slightly awkward.
As Jhoanna turned to leave, Stacey’s eyes flicked down to the paper bag in Jhoanna’s hand.
“Hulaan ko,” Stacey called out, lips curling into a knowing smile. “Mozzarella sticks, dalawang order?”
Jhoanna paused, glanced over her shoulder, and hummed. “Mhm.”
“Glad to know I still know your favorite,” Stacey muttered, half a laugh in her voice.
Jhoanna chuckled. For a second, it felt like time had folded in on itself.
But then she shifted, her tone lighter. “Sige, Staku. See you around? Hinihintay na rin kasi ako ni Lovey. Para sa kanya ‘yung isang order, actually.”
Wait, Lovey???
Who's Lovey???
Stacey’s lips parted, but no words came. Her chest clenched, but she smiled anyway.
“Go on,” Stacey said, steady. “Ingat ka, Jho.”
And just like that, they drifted apart again.
A little older.
A little wiser.
Two people who once shared everything—now sharing nothing but a memory, and a craving for mozzarella sticks.
—
[Text messages]
stacey: u didn’t tell me jhoanna's invited to ur wedding!
ate colet sungit: ‘Di naman din siya makakapunta eh. Nagtatampo nga ko dun! 😤
stacey: still! what if she changes her mind bigla?
ate colet sungit: Teka nga, nagkita kayo? Paano mo alam?
stacey: aren’t u driving
ate colet sungit: Si Aiah nagddrive.
stacey: ew, passenger princess ka pa rin?
ate colet sungit: Luh, sabi ng hindi marunong magdrive. ‘Wag mo ibahin ang usapan! Nagkita kayo ni Jhoanna?
stacey: just bumped into each other here at wena’s
ate colet sungit: Ahhhh. Pumupunta pa rin pala siya d’yan. Sarap ba ng mozzarella sticks, staAaaAks? Lasang relapse hahahaha
stacey: fuck off and i haven’t ordered pa
ate colet sungit: Namiss mo 'no?
stacey: yeah, haven’t had them since i left
ate colet sungit: Alin ang mas namiss mo, ‘yung mozzarella sticks o si Jhoanna?
stacey: your wedding.
ate colet sungit: Hoy, anong your wedding!
stacey: booking a flight to toronto now as we speak
ate colet sungit: Wews! Papasara ko lahat ng airport!
stacey: wtv, can u tell ate aiah to drive faster
ate colet sungit: Ayaw, safety first daw.
stacey: ugh i hate u two
ate colet sungit: Aba, ba’t nadamay wifey ko! Hihi soon to be wifey pala. 🤭
stacey: is ate aiah sure na ba with the wedding... are u sure she said yes to u
ate colet sungit: ABA OO NAMAN
stacey: k, just making sure
ate colet sungit: Napaka mo
stacey: do u still talk and meet up with jhoanna?
ate colet sungit: Bakit? Oo, pero 'di na masyado, last kita namin last year pa. Tas last usap namin 2 months ago, nung sinend ko wedding invitation sa kanya.
stacey: okay
stacey: do u know if she's ano
ate colet sungit: Ano?
stacey: seeing someone or wtv
ate colet sungit: 'Di ko sure eh.
stacey: okay
ate colet sungit: Bakit? Plano mong balikan? Nako, 'wag na kung aalis ka lang din naman ulit. Tingnan mo, pati samin 'di na nagpapakita! 🙄
—
Stacey didn’t reply anymore. She just sat there, staring blankly at the menu again.
A waiter approached her. “Ready to order po, Ma’am?"
Stacey looked up. “Uh, yes... 1 order of mozzarella sticks.”
“Will that be all, Ma’am?”
“Yeah. And a bottle of water. Thank you.”
As Stacey waited, her mind drifted. Over and over, the words echoed.
“Sige, Staku. See you around? Hinihintay na rin kasi ako ni Lovey. Para sa kanya ‘yung isang order, actually.”
“Hinihintay na rin kasi ako ni Lovey. Para sa kanya ‘yung isang order, actually.”
“Hinihintay na rin kasi ako ni Lovey.”
“Hinihintay na rin kasi ako ni Lovey.”
“Hinihintay na rin kasi ako ni Lovey.”
Lovey.
Lovey.
Lovey.
Lovey.
Lovey.
Stacey clenched her jaw, shaking the thoughts away.
So what if Jhoanna had a Lovey now?
So what if Jhoanna had someone else to share her mozzarella sticks with?
Stacey was happy for Jhoanna.
She has to be happy for her.
Because after all, it was Stacey who left.
It was Stacey who chose a colder city, a louder ambition, and a life far from here.
It was Stacey who walked away from their shared Friday nights, and lips that once whispered, “Please stay.”
Stacey had no right to be jealous.
Not when she was the one who decided to end their story 2 years ago.
[Flashback: 2 years ago…]
Wena’s.
Aside from Colet and Aiah, Jhoanna knew Stacey was leaving. She just didn’t think it would feel like this. None of their friends know, and Stacey wanted to keep it that way.
They were at Wena’s, seated across from each other, mozzarella sticks between them. Pretending that Stacey wasn’t flying out in 2 days.
“Just a month,” Stacey said, voice low like a promise she wasn’t sure she could keep. “It’s just for a month, Jho. Think of it as an internship.”
Jhoanna didn’t ask what came after the internship.
Didn’t ask if Stacey had already started looking for apartments in Toronto.
Didn’t ask what would happen if the company asked her to stay longer.
Because the moment Jhoanna asks the questions, it becomes real.
Because Jhoanna believed in Stacey’s skills and natural talent, and if the company saw that, Jhoanna knew it would be the company’s loss to let someone like Stacey go.
So instead, Jhoanna smiled. “I’ll wait,” she said, soft but sure. “Isang buwan lang naman. Maghihintay ako, Staku. Just… don’t forget me, okay?”
Stacey reached out, touched her hand gently. “I could never. I promise I'll come back.”
A month after...
Stacey kept her promise. She did come back a month later.
Jhoanna fetched her from the airport.
But the suitcase Stacey left with was gone.
Only a backpack hung from her shoulder.
“Nasaan maleta mo?” Jhoanna asked, arms still wrapped around her girlfriend.
Stacey gave Jhoanna a forehead kiss. “Let’s talk sa apartment mo, Jho,” she murmured. That’s all she said.
The drive was quiet, until Jhoanna broke the silence.
—
“Staks, sabi mo isang buwan lang.”
“I know,” Stacey said, almost a sigh. “But they liked my performance. So, they want me to extend for another month. Aren't you happy for me?”
“Masaya. Pero ano? After nun, another extension na naman?”
“I don’t know yet, Jho. Can we please talk about this when we get to your place? I’m exhausted. Jetlag pa ‘ko.”
Jhoanna didn’t answer. Her hands tightened on the wheel.
“Jho,” Stacey said again.
“Jho.”
“Jho.”
On the 4th "jho", Stacey reached over, her fingers brushing against Jhoanna’s hand resting on the gear stick.
“Jho, please. Just trust me, okay?”
Jhoanna gave her hand a gentle squeeze. It was the only answer she could manage.
A week after…
Stacey laid down with her head on Jhoanna’s lap. The room was dim. The silence was heavy. Jhoanna ran her fingers through Stacey’s hair, memorizing the shape of someone she knew she’d have to let go.
In the corner sat a single suitcase.
Stacey was leaving again the next morning. She’d only stayed for a week.
And this time, she was flying back to Toronto with more things than she brought home.
They kissed that night like it wasn’t the last time.
Like they still had a thousand more nights waiting on the other side of that flight.
—
The one month of extension had passed, but Stacey didn’t come home. Saying that she just has to finish this one project before she can finally come home.
But then came another month.
Until two months became three.
By the 4th month, Jhoanna had stopped counting.
Because Jhoanna also got busy building her own future, just like Stacey was.
They never fought.
They just started growing silent around each other.
Calls grew shorter.
No more good morning, no more good night.
And by the 5th month, Stacey called.
Jhoanna remembered the call so clearly. The tremble in Stacey’s voice.
“I can’t keep asking you to wait,” Stacey had said. “I don’t even know when I’m coming back… You’ll end up waiting for nothing, Jho.”
Jhoanna swallowed the lump in her throat. “Staks, hindi ka naman nothing.”
She heard Stacey exhale shakily on the other end.
“Ate Colet told me you're always staying up late, waiting for my calls. I just don’t want to be the reason you stop living.”
“Pero mahal na mahal kita, Stacey! Kahit na ‘di ko na alam kung may girlfriend pa ba ako…”
Silence.
And then, Stacey’s voice cracked.
"And I love you too…”
But it wasn’t enough.
Because love, as it turns out, doesn’t always mean staying.
“You’re not the only one hurting here,” Stacey continued, her voice tiny, filled with so much vulnerability.
“I miss you so much that sometimes, I think about just ditching everything here just to be with you. But I can’t… because my future is at stake, Jho. Yours too.”
"Paano naman ako? Hindi ba 'ko kasama sa future mo? Kasi sa'kin kasama ka, Staks."
Stacey didn't answer right away.
"Not right now, Jho..."
Jhoanna heard a sniff.
“Please stay,” Jhoanna whispered. Stacey almost didn’t hear it.
“I can’t... I want to. But I can’t, Jho. Let’s end this… for both our sakes.”
“May iba na ba?” Jhoanna asked quietly.
“God, no. There’s no one else. I just… I want to focus on my career. Please understand me. Ending this—it’s the right thing for the both of us.”
"Sabi mo babalik ka..."
Stacey didn't respond, but Jhoanna heard her sniffle.
Jhoanna waited. Gave time for Stacey to take it back.
But she didn’t.
So Jhoanna did the one thing left to do.
She said, “Okay. Let's end this.”
Even if her heart wasn’t.
“Goodbye, Jho. Please take care of yourself… and don’t close your heart for me. Don’t close your heart to other people.”
Jhoanna inhaled sharply. “You’ve already decided what’s good for our relationship,” she said. “So don’t decide for me. I’ll still wait, Staks. Alam mo 'yan.”
Jhoanna heard Stacey sob.
“Please don’t…”
But Jhoanna cut the call.
“Goodbye, Stacey. Maghihintay ako.”
Call ended.
[Present]
Jhoanna
The mozzarella sticks sat untouched on the passenger seat, grease soaking slowly through the paper bag.
Traffic crawled. Manila moved like it always did—slow, sticky, loud. The radio played something melodic, but Jhoanna wasn’t listening.
She hadn’t expected to see Stacey again.
Not there.
Not like that.
And definitely not at Wena’s—where everything had once begun, and ended.
Stacey looked the same.
Maybe a little sharper around the edges. A little more Toronto.
But still Stacey. Still the girl Jhoanna had loved so fiercely, she’d convinced herself that waiting was enough.
Jhoanna gripped the steering wheel tighter, blinking hard against the sting in her eyes.
Stacey.
Same voice. Same smile.
Same way she said “Wow,” like it meant more than surprise.
No one had told Jhoanna that Stacey was back.
Not Colet, not Aiah. Not that they were that close anymore—time has a way of softening even the sharpest friendships, dulling them into something polite and distant.
Still, a heads-up would’ve been nice. They even invited her to their wedding, so at some point they were still pretty close, right?
But instead, there Stacey was.
Jhoanna only wanted her usual mozzarella sticks, a small comfort after a long week.
She didn’t expect the universe to serve the girl she thought she’d never see again.
The reason Jhoanna always ordered two instead of one.
Stacey.
Sitting there like the last 2 years hadn’t happened.
2 years.
Funny how ‘a month’ stretched that long.
Jhoanna could still hear Stacey’s voice.
“I can’t keep asking you to wait.”
“I don’t even know when I’m coming back.”
“You’ll end up waiting for nothing, Jho.”
Jhoanna remembered holding the phone so tightly it hurt.
But what hurt more was her own last line.
“Goodbye, Stacey. Maghihintay ako.”
Now, in the present, Jhoanna glanced at the paper bag on the seat beside her.
She had always wondered what she’d say if they ever crossed paths again.
Jhoanna didn’t expect to smile.
But she did.
Like reflex. Like muscle memory.
Like her body remembered before her brain could catch up.
And God, Jhoanna hated that.
“Mozzarella sticks, dalawang order?” Stacey had said, wearing that crooked smile.
Of course she remembered.
“Sige, Staku. See you around? Hinihintay na rin kasi ako ni Lovey. Para sa kanya ‘yung isang order, actually.”
Lovey.
Jhoanna smiled faintly, thinking of her dog waiting at home—probably curled up on the couch.
Lovey had been there through it all.
Never asked why Jhoanna sometimes cried in her sleep.
Lovey never left. Never had to be asked to stay.
Jhoanna laughed softly as she pulled into her condo’s parking spot. Stacey probably thought Lovey was a person.
Maybe that’s why she froze, just for a second.
But Jhoanna hadn’t corrected her.
Not to be cruel. It was better that way.
To let Stacey think she’d moved on. Let her feel a bit of the distance she had created.
Because Stacey left.
And if she could walk away, then Jhoanna had every right to move forward. Even if she hadn’t.
Not completely.
Even if her chest still tightened at the taste of mozzarella sticks, at old nicknames, at the way Stacey still said her name like it mattered.
Jhoanna blinked away the tears rising behind her eyes and grabbed the mozzarella sticks.
She then caught her reflection in the rearview mirror.
Her eyes. Her tired, healing eyes.
“You’re okay,” she whispered.
“You’re okay now.”
“Okay ka na, Jhoanna.”
And she was.
Well, mostly.
Because deep down, under all the healing and moving on, that quiet part of her heart was still waiting.
And not a second it had stopped waiting.
2 weeks later...
The wedding came quicker than expected.
Jhoanna changed her mind at the last minute.
After a few texts from Colet and Aiah—
Ate Colet: Sure ka na ba talaga? Pwede ka pa humabol. Kahit sa reception lang, Jhoanna.
Ate Aiah: We’d really love to see you. We miss you so much, JC. ☹️
—Jhoanna caved.
Jhoanna told herself it was because she missed them. That it had been too long. That it was time to show up for the people who once meant everything to her.
But deep down, she knew better.
She was going because Stacey would be there.
And some stubborn part of her, kept thinking about her ex ever since that brief, unexpected encounter at Wena’s.
Jhoanna arrived quietly, slipping into one of the middle pews just as the ceremony was starting. The venue buzzed with laughter and chatter, but everything else faded when the music shifted.
One by one, the bridesmaids began to walk.
And then came, Stacey.
Of course she was one of the bridesmaids. Jhoanna should've expected that.
Stacey started walking slowly down the aisle, wrapped in soft silk and light. She looked steady on the outside, but the moment her eyes landed on someone in the crowd, her step faltered.
Jhoanna.
Sitting perfectly still, looking back at her.
But I thought she wasn’t coming?
Stacey’s breath caught in her throat. She almost stopped walking altogether, almost turned around, but then she blinked, took another step. Composed herself.
Still, her eyes never left Jhoanna’s. Couldn’t. Wouldn’t.
And just for a heartbeat, she felt it all rush back.
Jhoanna was beautiful. The prettiest out of everyone inside the Church.
Sorry, Ate Colet and Ate Aiah. Jho's the prettiest today.
And in Jhoanna’s eyes, Stacey was the bride.
Jhoanna forgot where she was. Forgot the floral arch, the vows, the reason people were even gathered.
Because in that moment—it felt like she was the one getting married.
To her.
To Stacey.
Sorry, Ate Colet and Ate Aiah. Kami ata ang ikakasal.
And somewhere inside her chest, that quiet and stubborn part of her—woke up.
It stirred softly, then louder.
Climbing from her chest to her ears like static.
Please stay.
Please stay.
Please stay.
It whispered, like a prayer. Like a dare.
Jhoanna blinked, barely breathing, as Stacey passed her by.
But she didn’t look away.
Throughout the ceremony, Jhoanna kept stealing glances at Stacey.
And sometimes Stacey looked back. But never directly.
A quick flick of her eyes toward the crowd, a small tilt of her head like she was admiring the flowers. Like she was watching the sun shift through the stained glass.
But Jhoanna knew.
She recognized the difference between coincidence and intent. And this—this was intention.
They never caught each other’s eyes fully. Not during the vows. Not during the kiss. Not even during the applause.
But they hovered around the edges of each other.
The space between them was filled with distance and memory.
The taste of mozzarella sticks.
The whispered goodbyes at midnight.
The sound of a voice that once said, “Please stay.”
Jhoanna felt the whisper again, not in her ears now—but in her ribs, her lungs, her heart.
Please stay.
And when Colet and Aiah walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, the guests stood up to cheer, Jhoanna did too—smiling, clapping. She was genuinely happy for her friends.
But her eyes never left Stacey.
And Stacey finally looked back just once, over her shoulder. Not too obvious.
But enough.
Enough to say: Make me stay, Jho.
And Jhoanna smiled to herself, gently.
Ang hina ko talaga pagdating sa’yo, Staku.
It had been a month since that accidental run-in at Wena’s.
A month since Jhoanna walked away with two orders of mozzarella sticks—and someone waiting for her back home.
A month since Stacey just stood there, letting Jhoanna go all over again.
A week since Colet and Aiah’s wedding.
A week since Jhoanna and Stacey locked eyes across an aisle but never truly spoke.
Jhoanna didn’t stay for the reception—said Lovey would be too lonely. Stacey had heard that from Colet.
Stacey was still in the Philippines, still living out of Colet and Aiah’s condo.
When Colet asked why, Stacey simply said her project wasn’t finished yet.
It wasn’t exactly a lie—just not the whole truth.
The main project had wrapped up days ago. But Stacey had already asked her manager about the possibility of extending her stay, about picking up another local UX research assignment while she was still here.
Something. Anything.
Anything that would give her a reason to stay.
Now, Stacey was just waiting for the call.
Colet and Aiah didn’t mind.
They were too busy floating in that just-married haze, hopping between errands, architects, and weekend house visits.
At least someone was in the condo while they finalized the house they’d eventually call home.
Stacey hadn’t meant to return to the same restaurant.
It just happened.
She told herself it was for the mozzarella sticks, not the memories.
Not the ache.
But deep down, Stacey was hoping.
Hoping for another coincidence.
Another glimpse.
So she picked Thursday.
Because that was the day it happened before.
The day she saw Jhoanna again for the first time.
And some part of her wondered if light could strike twice.
Stacey walked into Wena’s with her chest a little tight, eyes scanning.
And like fate was on Stacey’s side, there she was.
Jhoanna.
In formal clothes this time.
Alone.
A half-eaten plate of pasta sat in front of her. An open book she wasn’t reading.
Their eyes met—no shock now. Just recognition.
Stacey hesitated, then crossed the room.
“Seat taken?”
Jhoanna looked up, a slow smile forming. “Depende. May dala kang mozzarella sticks?”
Stacey laughed softly. “No… but I plan to order.”
A silence settled—not awkward, but thick with things unsaid.
“Upo ka,” Jhoanna said, closing her book. “So,” she continued, “Canada girl still in town?”
“Indefinitely,” Stacey replied. “Project’s not finished yet.”
Stacey said the same lie she said to Colet.
Jhoanna nodded.
“You went to the wedding after all,” Stacey added.
“‘Di ko naman kayang magtampo sina Ate Colet,” Jhoanna said with a shrug. “And… I missed them.”
Stacey tilted her head. “Just them?”
Jhoanna squinted at her. “Don’t push your luck, Stacey. Iniwan mo pa rin ako.”
That landed deeper than expected.
“I’m joking,” Jhoanna added quickly, sensing the shift. “Okay na ‘ko.”
But was she really?
Stacey gave a nervous laugh.
“They waited so long, no? Ate Colet and Ate Aiah,” Jhoanna said, gently shifting the topic.
“9 years,” Stacey nodded. “But still going strong. They made it.”
Jhoanna looked down, almost to herself.
“Tayo sana, 7 na nung ano… kung ‘di lang… well. 7-year itch daw, totoo pala ‘yun.”
Stacey froze. She hadn’t expected that.
They were supposed to pretend, weren’t they? Keep it light, safe.
But Jhoanna said it anyway.
Stacey hummed—no words.
Then a waiter passed.
“Would you like anything else po?”
Stacey smiled up. “Mozzarella sticks. Two orders.”
The waiter scribbled and left.
“Huy, nagbibiro lang ako. Ba’t dalawa inorder mo? ‘Di mo naman kaya umubos ng dalawa.”
Stacey just shrugged “I figured I’d offer,” she said. “In case you wanted some.”
A small laugh slipped out of Jhoanna. “Kakaubos ko lang ng isang order, pero go. I’m always up for mozzarella sticks na libre.”
Stacey chuckled.
They continued talking—small talk, mostly. Nothing too heavy.
Work. Travel. The weather. The best coffee spots in the city.
Anything to keep the conversation going.
“So, what do you do now?” Stacey asked, stirring the last of her iced tea with her straw.
“Hmm… I run a little creative studio. Mostly branding and packaging for local businesses. Minsan events din. It started sa apartment ko lang—pero ngayon may office na kami.” Jhoanna smiled, almost shyly.
“Of course you’d build something like that,” Stacey said, eyes lighting up. “You always had that eye. Even back in college, ‘di ba ikaw ‘yung gumagawa ng thesis covers ng buong block?”
Jhoanna laughed. “Nagka-pera rin sa wakas ‘yung pagdesign-design ko.”
“What’s it called?”
“Studio Luna,” she replied. “Moon phases and soft launches, you know?”
Stacey nodded, her smile lingering. “Ganda. It’s so you.”
“Eh, ikaw?” Jhoanna tilted her head. “Ano nga ba ‘tong ‘project’ mo na ang tagal matapos?”
Stacey sighed lightly, resting her elbows on the table. “I work for a consultancy based in Toronto. We do design and innovation research—mostly UX, sometimes strategy. They sent me here to study behavioral trends in Southeast Asia. Tech habits, digital design gaps, user stories. It was supposed to be a short stint, pero ayun… it’s taking longer than I expected.”
“UX researcher ka na pala ngayon?” Jhoanna asked, brow raised. “From storytelling to system flows, ha.”
“Well,” Stacey smiled, “I still get to ask people about their lives. Just with post-its and prototypes now.”
Jhoanna chuckled. “So proud of you. Unti-unti mo na naaabot lahat ng gusto mo.”
Stacey looked up at her, eyes holding something just a little deeper. “You too. Big time na rin. You even have your own studio now.”
Jhoanna laughed, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Big time sa dami ng revisions, oo.”
Still, they didn’t leave.
There was a comfort now, settled between them like an old song they both remembered the lyrics to.
“Never ko pala nasabi sa'yo ‘yun, 'no?” Jhoanna spoke again, her tone softer.
“Hmm? Said what?” Stacey hummed.
“'Yung salitang 'proud'.”
Stacey blinked. Her lips parted, her breath caught in her throat.
“It’s okay. I always knew you were.”
“Hindi, eh. I felt like I didn’t say it enough before… Palagi ko na lang binibilang ‘yung araw kung kailan ka uuwi, pero not once did I say or show na sobrang proud ako sa’yo. For knowing what you want. For chasing it. For actually getting there. I was kinda selfish during our relationship.”
Stacey didn’t speak right away.
"You were not the only one selfish during our time, Jho. Don't say that."
“But you were right,” Jhoanna continued, voice calm but certain. “Separating was what’s best for us. Kasi kung ‘di ka naging matapang to say it out loud, siguro pareho tayong ubos ngayon.”
“Jho…” Stacey started, but her voice faltered.
“Pero tingnan mo naman nangyari,” Jhoanna smiled, with more heart than before. “Pareho tayong may patutunguhan ang buhay. Both doing well sa careers, thriving. Stable na.”
Stacey only nodded, but her eyes said everything she couldn’t.
And still, they stayed.
Long after the plates were cleared.
Long after the mozzarella sticks were gone, and the city outside dimmed to a soft, pulsing blue.
"Sorry."
Both of them spoke at the same time.
After the apologies, the world had quieted—but not them.
Not yet.
Then, after a few more small talk that felt less like hesitation and more like preparation, Jhoanna took the first step.
“Staku…”
A pause.
“Do you think… we could try again?”
Stacey froze.
Her lips parted—ready to answer.
But then her phone buzzed.
She glanced down. Her screen lit up.
[Incoming call: Manager – HQ Canada]
“Sorry,” Stacey said, her voice tight. “It’s the company. I have to take this.”
Jhoanna nodded slowly, lips pressing together. “No, go ahead. Work's important.”
No, please stay.
Stacey stepped out of Wena’s, phone to her ear.
Jhoanna watched her from the window—shoulders squared, brows furrowed.
Confident. In charge.
Grabe. Iba na talaga aura niya ngayon.
A few minutes passed. The mozzarella stick crumbs on the plate had gone cold.
Then Stacey came back inside—hurried, breath just a little uneven.
“I’m really sorry, Jho,” she said, already reaching for her purse. “But I have to go. Something came up.”
“Oh.” That’s all Jhoanna could manage.
Stacey paused, digging through her bag. She pulled out a business card and placed it in front of Jhoanna.
“I’ll call you,” she said. “But if I don’t… please call me.”
One last look.
A flicker of something that hadn’t gone away.
Then Stacey turned and left.
The door closed with a soft chime.
Jhoanna sat alone, Stacey’s card resting between her fingers.
Her heart was warm, and heavy.
Some things just never change.
Trabaho pa rin talaga.
And as much as Jhoanna hated to admit it...
She would still be waiting.
Si Stacey na 'yan eh.
2 days later...
Stacey
Fresh from Antipolo, Stacey was tired—but clear-headed.
That call that had interrupted her and Jhoanna two nights ago? It was her manager, offering a new project.
The catch? She had to leave that same day to lock it in. No time for proper goodbyes. No choice but to walk away from Wena’s—again.
The project was based in Antipolo.
And with it came a decision: was she staying in the Philippines, or going back to Toronto?
Her manager made it clear—taking the project meant staying for good.
Stacey didn’t hesitate.
She said yes.
To the project.
To staying.
Because deep down, she already knew:
She wanted to stay. For good.
It had been 2 days since that unplanned dinner with Jhoanna.
2 days since the question—“Do you think we could try again?”—was left unanswered, echoing in both their heads.
Stacey had been spiraling ever since. Trying to make sense of it.
What if I heard her wrong? she wondered.
Maybe she said, “Do you think we could try nuggets?”
But no matter how many mental gymnastics Stacey did, there was only one thing Jhoanna could’ve meant.
She wanted to try again.
And Stacey wasn’t against it.
Hell, Stacey wanted it. So bad.
But then she remembered: Lovey.
There was already a Lovey in the picture.
So what did Jhoanna mean?
Was Stacey supposed to become the other woman now? Was that it? No, that's crazy.
But what's even crazier was, Stacey wasn't so against the idea.
Si Jhoanna na 'yan eh.
The overthinking was endless.
If only that call hadn’t come in at that moment.
If only she had the chance to ask.
It was all Stacey could think about even when she was in Antipolo.
After coming back from Antipolo, Stacey told Colet and Aiah everything about staying here for good.
“Oh, akala ko ba after ng kasal namin tsaka ng project mo, balik ka na ng Toronto?” Colet asked, arms crossed.
Stacey raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t this what you want? For me to stay here for good?”
“Naninigurado lang,” Colet narrowed her eyes.
“Hon, let’s just be happy. Stacey’s even buying our condo from us,” Aiah called out from the kitchen as she stirred the evening’s dinner.
“Kung totoo talaga ’yan,” Colet declared dramatically, “tatawagan ko si Mama. Sabihin ko hanapan na agad ng buyer ’yung bahay sa Toronto para ’di ka na makabalik!”
Stacey shrugged. “Go ahead.”
“Aba! Nasaan na ba ’yung cellphone ko!” Colet scrambled, half-teasing.
“It’s on your desk, hon!” Aiah shouted back, amused.
Stacey just shook her head with a laugh as the two bickered.
After the wedding. After the project.
That was the plan.
Fly back to Toronto. Go back to her so-called life.
But something had changed.
No—someone.
It was always Jhoanna.
Speaking of Jhoanna, they haven't seen each other since that night.
Jhoanna didn't call.
And Stacey didn't either—not because she didn’t want to, but because Antipolo kept her occupied, tied to client meetings and deadlines.
She had to finish everything quickly, so she can go back to Manila early and finally fix things with Jhoanna.
Be with Jhoanna.
But now, back in the condo, Stacey found herself staring at the ceiling, wondering how to reach out.
Stacey was sure Colet or Aiah had Jhoanna’s number. But asking them would mean opening herself up to endless teasing.
And worse, they’d be right.
They’d say Stacey stayed because of Jhoanna.
And that would be true.
So, Stacey didn't ask them.
Dinner had just wrapped up. Stacey laid in bed, eyes half-closed, mind still racing.
She fell asleep thinking of Jhoanna.
She fell asleep thinking of ways she could make it up to her.
Jhoanna
It had been 2 days.
Two long, slow days since she asked the question.
Since Jhoanna took the risk.
Since Stacey stepped out to take that call.
Since Stacey left behind a business card and walked away.
Jhoanna had stared at that card longer than she cared to admit. Memorized the number. Ran her thumb across the edges. Flipped it over and back again like it held some kind of hidden meaning.
Jhoanna didn't call.
Not because she didn’t want to—but because, for once, she wanted to be the one who was called back.
The one who was chosen.
Jhoanna sat on her bed now, Lovey curled up at her feet. The room was quiet except for the faint hum of her fan and the occasional car passing outside her apartment.
She glanced at her phone again.
No missed calls.
No messages.
Nothing.
“Ang tanga ko pa rin ‘no, Lovey? Kasi after all this time, naghihintay pa rin ako,” she muttered, scratching her dog’s ear.
Maybe Stacey already moved on.
Maybe Stacey had someone else already.
Maybe the silence after “Do you think we could try again?” was the answer all along.
Or maybe… Stacey didn’t understand what she meant.
Or, worse, maybe she did and just didn’t care.
Jhoanna leaned back against the headboard of her bed, arms wrapped around her knees.
Should she call?
What would she even say?
“Hey, sorry if ang weird ng question ko.”
“I was just caught up in the moment.”
“Kalimutan mo na lang na 'yung sinabi ko."
But Jhoanna didn’t want Stacey to forget.
Because she meant it. Every word.
Ever since the wedding, Jhoanna had been falling all over again.
Who wouldn’t, when Stacey looked at her like that —the whole time she was walking down the aisle?
And the fact that Stacey still hadn’t reached out—it stung.
Colet and Aiah both had her number. If Stacey really wanted to, she could’ve asked. She would’ve called. But she hadn’t.
Jhoanna sighed and got up, walking to her desk where Stacey’s business card still lay tucked between her sketchpad and a planner.
She picked it up again.
“Bibigyan ko pa siya ng isa pang araw,” she whispered, like a quiet bargain with the universe. “If she doesn’t call… I’ll delete the number.”
But Jhoanna knew herself too well.
She wasn’t going to delete anything.
And even if she did, she had already memorized Stacey’s number days ago.
Jhoanna was already too far in again.
Too far gone.
Just like before.
[Flashback: College days]
Back when everything was golden—before plane tickets and deadlines, before the silence—there was this little corner booth at Wena’s where Stacey always studied, and Jhoanna always sat across from her, pretending not to watch in awe.
Stacey’s laptop would be open, eyes scanning lines of notes, lips mouthing silent sentences. Her eyebrows furrowing, strands of hair would fall down her face and she’d push them back up without ever looking away from the screen. Her brain was always on overdrive—typing, reading, calculating.
And right on cue, like clockwork, Jhoanna would show up with two orders of mozzarella sticks.
“Dalawa na naman?” Stacey would say, glancing up with that teasing grin.
“Gutumin ako, okay?” Jhoanna would reply, rolling her eyes as she slid into the seat across from her.
But the truth was, she wasn’t.
Not that hungry, anyway.
Jhoanna would dip a stick into the marinara, take a bite, and watch as Stacey absentmindedly reached over, snatching one off her plate and popping it into her mouth without missing a beat.
It always started with one.
Then two.
Then another, especially when Stacey was deep into review mode, stress-chewing like the mozzarella stick held the answer to her quiz.
And Jhoanna would just smile and let her.
“You didn’t even ask,” Jhoanna once said, laughing.
“Huh?” Stacey blinked, glancing up mid-sentence. “Ask what?”
“Ninanakaw mo mozzarella sticks ko.”
Stacey shrugged. “You always order too much anyway.”
Jhoanna laughed, resting her chin in her palm. “Right.”
But in her mind, she thought:
You don’t know this, but I started ordering two because of you.
Because Stacey always stole a bite.
And then another.
And a few more after that.
Because watching Stacey—hunched over her laptop, lost in thought, still unconsciously reaching for a mozzarella stick—that was Jhoanna’s favorite kind of peace.
Jhoanna never said it out loud.
Never made it a thing. Never asked Stacey for payment.
Jhoanna just kept ordering two.
Every time.
And somewhere in between shared mozzarella sticks and shared company, they fell in love.
Present day
The city had a way of pulling them back into each other’s orbit.
This time, it was a random Sunday morning. The very next day.
Stacey, in a worn hoodie and half-awake state, had only meant to grab coffee. She didn’t expect to find herself standing in line behind Jhoanna at the café near her condo.
She almost backed away—almost.
But Jhoanna turned around first. Her eyes widened, then softened. “Hey.”
“Hey,” Stacey replied, lips tugging into a surprised smile. “Stalker mode ka na?”
“Says the one behind me.”
They both laughed. No one mentioned the business card.
The call no one made.
They decided to sit. Just coffee. Just catching up. Again.
They talked about work. Family. The book Jhoanna was still pretending to read. Colet and Aiah’s wedding—again. It felt like old times, almost.
Then, gently, it slipped out.
“Sorry if nabigla ka sa sinabi ko,” Jhoanna said, voice low. “You know… ‘try again.’”
Stacey stilled, hands wrapped around her mug. “I’m sorry too. For leaving so suddenly. I just really had to go that day.” She looked up. “You didn’t call?”
Jhoanna shrugged, a tiny shift of her shoulder. “Ikaw din naman. Ate Colet or Ate Aiah has my number.”
“Right,” Stacey murmured, the apology in her eyes this time. “Sorry.”
There was a beat of quiet, then Jhoanna exhaled and gathered what courage she had left.
Bahala na.
“Let me repeat the question na lang,” Jhoanna said.
“Staku, do you think we could try again?"
Stacey was in mid-sip of her coffee. She nearly choked, but managed not to, thankfully, because that would’ve been very embarrassing.
Stacey wiped her mouth, blinking. Staring.
Lord, lamunin na sana ako ng lupa, Jhoanna thought. ‘Yung dignidad ko, jusko.
“But Jho…” Stacey began, cautious.
“Don’t you already have someone? I mean, I still have feelings for you—ones I haven’t really resolved—but I don’t want to hurt anyone.”
“Huh?” Jhoanna frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Si Lovey… ”
Oh right. Lovey.
There was a pause. Then Jhoanna laughed. Loudly. “Oh my god, Staku…”
“What?” Stacey asked, genuinely lost.
Jhoanna couldn’t resist. She decided to play along.
“You’re right. Baka magtampo si Lovey,” she said with a faux-dramatic sigh.
“Jho, I’m serious! We can’t try again when you already have someone. She doesn’t deserve to be treated this way. And 'wag mo naman sana akong gawing kabit...”
“He,” Jhoanna corrected, biting back a smile.
Stacey’s eyes widened. “He?! You're with a man??? Really, Jho??”
Jhoanna nodded solemnly, keeping a straight face. “'Di ko rin in-expect na lalaki ibibigay sa’kin ni Lord. But I love him so much. Kung saan-saan nga lang umiihi, pero mahal na mahal ko talaga siya, Staks. I would die for that dog.”
Stacey’s expression twisted in confusion and mild horror—until her ears caught the word dog.
“Wait. Dog?”
That was when Jhoanna finally cracked. She let out a full laugh, drinking into her coffee with a victorious grin.
And what a sight it was for Stacey.
I missed that laugh.
“Lovey’s my dog, Staks," Jhoanna repeated.
Stacey blinked. Right, they were talking about Lovey.
“Your dog?”
“Yup. Little poodle. Barks at strangers, hates the rain, eats better than I do. Favorite niya rin mozzarella sticks like me.”
Stacey let out a big sigh. “Lovey’s a dog…”
“Oo, 'di kita gagawing kabit, Staks. Ano ka ba. I actually got him nung umalis ka ulit... Bigay ni Shee. Emotional support daw,” Jhoanna said.
“Oh… I didn’t know that. I’m sorry,” Stacey replied softly.
“Okay lang. Okay na 'yun. I got your reason naman.”
They both laughed again. But the air felt lighter.
Stacey looked at Jhoanna like really really looked at her.
“So when you said… ‘hinihintay na 'ko ni Lovey’…”
“I meant my dog,” Jhoanna grinned. “Who was probably chewing through my slippers at the time.”
Silence fell again. But it was a good kind of quiet.
“I’m glad I know that now,” Stacey said.
“Bakit?” Jhoanna asked, teasing.
Stacey reached across the table, fingers brushing just slightly with Jhoanna’s. “Because if you’re not taken… maybe that ‘try again’ doesn’t have to be a question anymore.”
Jhoanna smiled, heart full. “Good. I was hoping you’d say that. Kawawa naman 'yang unresolved feelings mo kung 'di mareresolve.”
Stacey rolled her eyes and tossed a tissue at her. “Mapang-asar ka pa rin.”
“And pikon ka pa rin.”
They shared a laugh, but then, like a splash of cold water, a sudden thought settled into Jhoanna’s chest.
Canada.
“Kailan balik mo ng Canada?” Jhoanna asked quietly.
Stacey stilled.
“I don’t have to go back,” Stacey said, eyes locked on Jhoanna’s.
“Stacey…” Jhoanna muttered, slowly retracting her hands away from Stacey.
“Jhoanna, I’m serious.”
Stacey leaned in, gently taking both of Jhoanna’s hands in hers. “I got an offer here. After I wrapped up the last project, they told me I could either relocate permanently… or return to Canada. It’s my choice.”
Jhoanna hesitated. “And… what choice did you make?”
Stacey’s grip tightened, just slightly.
“Ikaw."
"I have a reason to stay here, and it’s you."
"Tayo naman ang pipiliin ko, Jho.”
Jhoanna smiled, eyes glinting with the weight of everything she’d carried for so long.
“Thank you for letting me fly… for letting me chase my dreams. Pero… uuwi na ’ko.” Stacey laced their fingers together, tender and firm.
"Sa’yo lang naman ako laging babalik, Jho."
Jhoanna’s voice trembled. “Stacey… what if you’re only saying that because you happened to get that offer? Paano kung wala 'yon? Would you still stay if I asked you to? Would you still choose me? Us?”
Stacey breathed in deeply.
“Jho… to be honest, I wasn’t planning to accept the offer when I came back. We’d broken up. I was the one who ended it pa nga…”
Stacey's voice cracked. Jhoanna squeezed her hand in silent support.
"But then we ran into each other at Wena’s—you were ordering takeout like it was just another ordinary night. But for me, when I saw you again, I knew na mahihirapan ako umalis ulit. Even when I thought you had someone else, I still just wanted to be near you. And staying here meant I might bump into you. I was willing to risk even seeing you with someone else... just for the chance to see you again. 'Cause God, Jho. I just missed seeing you in person so much. I missed being close to you."
Stacey let out a shaky breath. Jhoanna just listened.
“And then at the wedding… when I saw you… I almost asked you to take me back right then and there. I forgot you might’ve moved on. I wanted to ask you to leave whoever you're with—to come back to me. To take me back. But then you left agad..."
"That’s when I asked my manager for local projects. Anything to keep me here longer. Kasi gusto lang talaga kitang makita ulit." Stacey's voice softened, but her eyes didn’t waver.
“During those 2 years,” Stacey continued, her voice trembling, “there wasn’t a single day you weren’t on my mind, Jho. Sure, I was building my career, getting recognition, ticking off everything I said I wanted—but there was always something missing.”
She looked down at their intertwined hands, then back at Jhoanna.
“I lost my person. I lost you, Jho.”
A tear slipped down Jhoanna’s cheek. Stacey didn’t hesitate to stand up and slid into the seat beside her, wrapping her arms around her like she never wanted to let go again.
“Nakakainis ka,” Jhoanna whispered into her shoulder. “Kasi kahit anong gawin kong pagmo-move on, ’di gumagana. Ang hirap umusad sa'yo, Stacey.”
“That’s why I chose to wait,” Jhoanna continued. “Mas pinili kong maghintay… kasi alam kong babalik ka—umaasa akong babalik ka. Kahit sobrang liit lang ng pinanghahawakan ko, mas pinili ko pa rin maniwala na babalik ka—na babalikan mo 'ko. Kasi nag-promise ka eh, Staks eh... and I held onto your promise."
“Shhh,” Stacey whispered, pulling her even closer. “I’m here now. And I’m not going anywhere. Thank you for holding on. Thank you for not letting anyone else in. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for waiting, even when I told you not to. You don’t have to wait anymore.”
Jhoanna pulled away, just enough to meet her eyes. “This doesn’t mean na okay na tayo agad,” she said gently. “I know ako 'yung nagtanong if we could try again… but can we take it slow?”
“Of course,” Stacey said, nodding. “I know it’s not that easy. Plus, my job is still pretty demanding… But I promise I’ll do my best to give you all the time. I won’t be away too long. I won’t be too far. Hindi na 'ko lalayo ulit sa'yo, Jho. Hindi ko na kaya. 2 years was enough."
“And I promise to be more patient,” Jhoanna said softly. “To understand you better.”
Stacey gave a hopeful little smile. “So this… this is a start?”
Jhoanna nodded, cheeks still damp, but eyes steady now. “It’s a start.”
Stacey’s eyes sparkled with mischief, her thumb gently brushing over Jhoanna’s knuckles. “I know exactly where we can start taking things slow.”
Jhoanna tilted her head, a curious smile tugging at her lips. "Saan?”
“Did you bring your car?”
Jhoanna nodded, still curious. “I did… Why?"
Stacey grinned. “Wena’s. My treat.”
Jhoanna’s smile grew.
“Mozzarella sticks, dalawang order?”
Stacey gave Jhoanna a quick forehead kiss.
“Kahit ilang order pa 'yan, Jho."
"Basta ikaw kasama ko."